Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch that is highly regarded for its unique features. It offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying keypress experience. Additionally, it has a jelly-like sound signature, which can enhance the typing experience for some users. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a linear switch designed for quieter typing environments. This switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel, minimizing audio feedback while typing. Both switches have their respective strengths, whether it be the tactile satisfaction of the Durock Medium Tactile or the muted typing experience of the Gateron Silent Ink Black. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is also known for its stiffer nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This material produces a satisfying thin and clacky sound, which is not overly sharp.

Moreover, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Medium Tactile employs nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements the top housing's pointed and high-pitched sound profile. The resulting sound is also described as clacky, offering a satisfying thin and higher-pitched auditory experience.

While each switch utilizes different materials for their top and bottom housings, it is important to note that these materials play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing has a stronger influence on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, even though the housing materials differ, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black can provide similar results in terms of their sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has an unavailable weight, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a weight of 65 grams for bottoming out, which can be classified as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Therefore, both switches have a similar bottom out force, providing a comparable typing experience in terms of the force required to press the keys all the way down.

Considering weight preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch due to its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for prolonged typing sessions, which can be advantageous for those who use their keyboard extensively for work or gaming. On the contrary, users who seek a more substantial typing feel might opt for the Durock Medium Tactile switch, which requires a slightly heavier actuation force.

Overall, while the actuation forces differ between the Durock Medium Tactile and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, their bottom out forces are similar. Therefore, those looking for a lighter actuation force may find satisfaction with the Silent Ink Black switch, whereas individuals desiring a heavier typing experience can consider the Durock Medium Tactile switch.

Travel distance

The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar feel and experience when pressing down on a key. The travel distance of a switch is crucial as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom and ultimately affects the tactile feedback and typing experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Durock Medium Tactile or the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch, you can expect to have a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance for both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having a jelly-like sound signature. Unfortunately, specific details about the sound of this switch are not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The Silent Ink Black switch is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, the Medium Tactile switch may provide a unique sound experience, while the Silent Ink Black switch offers a quieter typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers several qualities. It is described as accented, which means it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Medium Tactile switch is also described as stepped, indicating that it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Lastly, the Medium Tactile switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for sleek key travel.

On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similarly to the Medium Tactile switch, the Silent Ink Black switch is also described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its balance between tactility and sound, offering an accented and stepped feel with a polished finish. It is ideal for users who appreciate a prominent yet balanced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for quieter typing environments, providing a cushiony bottom-out feel with a muted sound. It is particularly suitable for situations where noise reduction is desired. While there may be some similarities in terms of a polished finish, the overall subjective qualities of these switches differ. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding tactility and sound.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, it ultimately depends on your priorities and preferences. If you are looking for a switch with balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile would be a great choice. Its accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics offer a pleasant typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go. Its cushion-like bottom-out feel and muted sound make it ideal for situations where noise reduction is important. Additionally, the silky and polished attributes of the Silent Ink Black provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more